In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan and celebrating the essence of the holy month, the Friends of Cancer Patients society (FoCP) recently hosted its annual Iftar banquet for a large group of cancer patients and their families.

As part of FoCP’s bi-monthly ‘Patient Care’ events, the Iftar banquet – now an important fixture in the charity’s annual calendar of community events – was sponsored by the Shababeek Restaurant in Al Qasba for the sixth consecutive year. As a cancer society, FoCP provides financial and moral support to patients from all over UAE and has so far provided support to over 1,000 cancer patients since its inception in 1999.

Highlighting the importance of this event, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Secretary General for Friends of Cancer Patients society, said, “When a person is touched by cancer, it does not just affect one individual, but an entire family unit goes through a long and challenging period towards recovery. We believe that emotional wellbeing is closely related to physical health and therefore a vital part of our work is to provide the environment and opportunity to cancer patients to meet one another, share stories, and draw strength and inspiration from events and activities that enrich life”.

“An iftar gathering during Ramadan, which is such a central part of our community and culture, is an ideal way to achieve this worthy aim – and for all of us to enjoy a memorable evening together.”

She also thanked Shababeek Restaurant for continuously participating in and supporting this noble cause, and for sponsoring an Iftar for cancer patients year after year.

Yasmeen Daher General Manager of Shababeek Restaurant, said, “We are delighted to continue to support the invaluable work of Friends of Cancer Patients. The Iftar banquet has become a fantastic annual tradition for cancer patients and their families to come together during Ramadan to form new friendships, share their experiences and, of course, have a wonderful evening. We have been inspired by their stories and are honoured to continue to host the event.”

FoCP also honoured Ramadan’s spirit of giving and sharing by distributing a selection of complementary gifts to patients during the Iftar event. These gifts were kindly donated by a number of local companies and organizations, including Polished Spa, Hobby Centre, Anfasic Dokhoon, Hamley’s and the Body Shop.

The management of Shababeek Restaurant also expressed their pride at hosting the Iftar once more, and renewed their commitment to continue working in partnership with FoCP on this and other initiatives throughout the year.